Vitamin D is undoubtedly one of the most important nutrients. It is a fat-soluble vitamin which can be found in some foods, as well as generated by our body as a result of sunlight exposure, and also available in the form of dietary vitamin D supplements. As a rule, about 90 per cent of our vitamin D consumption is attributed to our sunlight exposure, and about 10 per cent we receive from the foods and supplements. Vitamin D deficiency is usually linked to some serious health conditions, and, according to the findings of a recent study, a lack of vitamin D in our body can bring to heart disease, as well as highly elevated risks of suffer from premature death.

A group of scientists from the University of Kansas analyzed the information about more than 10 thousand participants. It was found out that vitamin D deficiency is linked to almost 70 per cent higher risks of suffering from heart disease. In addition, it is estimated that a chronic lack of this vitamin can increase the chances of suffering from premature death by almost 50 per cent. At the same time, adding vitamin D supplements to our daily diet can assist in lowering these risks for as much as two thirds, the scientists report.

Dr. James L. Vacek, on of the leaders of the research group and a cardiology professor at the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center, comments on the findings as the following: “We expected to see that there was a relationship between heart disease and vitamin D deficiency; we were surprised at how strong it was.” In addition, according to the specialist, the fact that vitamin D supplements can be effective to prevent or substantially lower the risks of heart disease and other serious related health conditions should be considered the most important findings of the study. Read more about this interesting research in the latest issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is quite common in modern people. Previous studies carried out under the supervision of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey experts, have shown that in today’s United States, from 25 to 57 per cent of people experience a lack of this important nutrient. In Europe, the number of people suffering from this deficiency can be as high as 70 per cent. That is why it is very important to use vitamin supplements and be sure that we consume sufficient amounts of this vitamin.